What is a Certificate of Occupancy in Washington, DC?

A Certificate of Occupancy (COO) is a legal document issued by the DC Department of Buildings that confirms a property’s approved use. It is required before occupying a new building, changing the use of a property, or after major renovations.

How do I apply for a Certificate of Occupancy in DC?

To apply for a DC Certificate of Occupancy, you must submit an application through the DOB’s SCOUT system, provide floor plans, zoning compliance documents, and pay applicable fees. Many businesses use permit expeditors to handle paperwork and speed up approvals.

What is a change of use permit in DC?

A change of use permit is required when converting a property’s use, for example from residential to commercial or retail to restaurant. The DC Department of Buildings reviews zoning, safety, and accessibility before approving the new use.

What is a DC public space permit?

A public space permit is required by the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) for any work extending into sidewalks, streets, or alleys, such as curb cuts, driveways, sidewalk cafés, construction staging, and utility work.

What is a traffic control plan in DC?

A traffic control plan (TCP) is a safety plan required by DDOT for construction projects that impact streets or sidewalks. It details how traffic and pedestrians will be safely rerouted during construction.

Do commercial roofers need permits in Washington, DC?

Yes. Most commercial roofing projects require a building permit, and projects impacting public sidewalks or streets may also require DDOT public space permits and traffic control plans.

How long does it take to get a permit in DC?

Depending on the type, DC permits can take 2–12 weeks for approval. Working with an experienced permit expeditor can often reduce approval time by several weeks by avoiding errors and coordinating directly with reviewers.

What does a DC permit expeditor do?

A permit expeditor navigates complex DC agency requirements, prepares applications, submits paperwork, coordinates with reviewers, and resolves issues to secure permits faster and with fewer delays.

DC Solar Permits Expedited with 25+ Years of City Official Relationships

Unlike generic permit services, MCG Permit Consultants has built personal, face-to-face relationships with key DC officials since before the digital age. Our established connections with DCRA, Department of Buildings, and DDOE mean faster solar permit approvals, insider process knowledge, and direct access to decision-makers.

Streamlining Solar Installation Permits Faster Through Established Insider City Connections

Trusted by 100+ Washington DC solar installers and property owners. Our 25+ years of established DCRA relationships have consistently delivered faster permit approvals, with an average 35% reduction in solar permit processing time.

Free 15-Minute Solar Permit Consultation - (202) 729-8272

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Our DC Solar Permit Expediting Services

Residential Solar Permits

A two-story brick house with solar panels on the roof, a brick chimney, surrounded by green grass and trees, with a small front yard and a concrete walkway leading to the front door.

Navigate DC's residential solar permit requirements with our established city official relationships. We simplify the complex DCRA approval process for homeowners and solar contractors.

• Rooftop Solar Installation Permits • Battery Storage System Permits • Electrical Interconnection Applications • Historic District Solar Approvals • Net Metering Applications

Commercial Solar Permits

A large modern office building with solar panels on the roof, surrounded by a parking lot with several cars, and a background of trees and houses.

Leverage our 25+ years of direct relationships with DC Department of Buildings to fast-track commercial solar permit approvals. Our insider connections mean quicker reviews and fewer complications for large-scale installations.

• Commercial Rooftop Solar Arrays • Ground-Mount Solar Systems • Solar Carport Installations • Multi-Building Solar Projects • Utility-Scale Solar Permits

DC Solar Permits Expedited with 25+ Years of City Official Relationships

Streamlining Solar Installation Permits Faster Through Established Insider City Connections

Our DC Solar Permit Expediting Services

Residential Solar Permits

Commercial Solar Permits

Why Choose MCG as Your Solar Permit Expediter?

The MCG Solar Permit Advantage

Solar-Specific Expertise

Our Proven Solar Permit Process

Step 1: Solar Project Evaluation

Step 2: Document Preparation

Step 3: Permit Submission

Step 4: Expedited Follow-Up

Simply Getting it Done. Evaluate. Advise. Expedite.

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